Macau Tourism Key Issues: Unsafe Practices and Low-Cost Shopping Trips

Macau Tourism Faces Backlash Over Low-Cost Tour Practices

The recent revocation of tour guide Lam Chun-fai’s license in Hong Kong raises serious questions about the integrity of low-cost tours to Macau and adjoining cities, including Zhuhai. Reports surface of tourists coerced into shopping, damaging the perception of ethical travel. Many travelers are now steering clear of tours that are suspiciously low-priced, indicating a shift in consumer behavior post-pandemic.

Consequences for Hong Kong's Tour Guide Industry

• The Hong Kong Tourism Authority has acted decisively against tour misconduct.
• Tourism representatives maintain that the incident is more alarming for its reflection on the entire travel sector.
• The rise of online complaints across platforms such as Xiaohongshu highlights the urgent need for reform in the low-cost tour segment.

Industry Perspectives on Low-Cost Tours

While executives emphasize the need for improved in-depth tourism experiences, Sara Leung Fong-yuen argues that the situation reflects a deeper issue: reliance on commission-based earnings forces both guides and tourists into uncomfortable situations over spending. Implementing stricter regulations on tour operators could mitigate these pressures and promote a healthier travel environment.